What does it really mean to show up?

In this episode of A Styled Life, I’m joined by Amanda Thomson, founder of NOUGHTY, the world’s first premium non-alcoholic wine portfolio. For a conversation about leadership presence, cultural conditioning, and the responsibility that comes with visibility.

Amanda went from BBC arts broadcaster to building her own global brand disrupting a deeply traditional industry, whilst holding her nerve when she was ahead of the curve.

We explore:

• Getting comfortable being uncomfortable as a founder led brand

• Why British self-deprecation limits scale

• The difference between authenticity and being underprepared

• The hidden time tax placed on female leaders

• Modern luxury as quiet confidence

• And how style directly impacts behaviour and performance

A few years ago, I quietly chose to stop drinking. What surprised me most wasn’t the lifestyle shift, it was the identity shift.

This conversation goes far beyond alcohol. It’s about how ambitious women take up space.

If you’re stepping into bigger rooms, this one will resonate.

Episode Highlights

00:00 Why I stopped drinking and the identity shift that followed

01:34 From BBC broadcaster to founder

07:24 The white space in the wine industry, creating an innovative brand

15:46 Alcohol as a signal of success and belonging

24:23 Founder life: getting comfortable being uncomfortable

28:10 The time and energy cost of being a female leader

36:23 The rise of founder visibility

41:06 Leadership = showing up (even on your worst day)

45:45 Authenticity vs underprepared, why style affects performance

49:08 Holding your nerve when you’re ahead of the curve

56:31 Why we should teach resilience over perfection

3 Core Takeaways

• Visibility is a responsibility, not just a privilege.

• Authenticity isn’t about doing less, it’s about alignment.

• Style isn’t superficial. It’s a leadership tool.

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